Amazon data center gets cables made with ELYSIS inert-anode aluminum from Prysmian and Rio Tinto

alcircle.com

by clean_tech_44·15 days ago·1 points

Prysmian and Rio Tinto have supplied electrical cables made with ELYSIS aluminum for an Amazon data center in Ohio, marking the first known use of inert-anode smelting technology in a data center. The aluminum comes from Quebec hydro-powered smelters and the cables are manufactured in Sedalia, Missouri. ELYSIS eliminates direct greenhouse gas emissions from smelting, producing oxygen instead of CO2 and perfluorocarbons. Amazon's net-zero goal for 2040 is cited as a driver for this early adoption. This is a notable step for low-carbon materials in critical infrastructure. It shows how a specific technology can move from pilot to commercial use when a large buyer like AWS commits to it. The involvement of distribution partner Wesco also highlights how supply chains can adapt. The main open questions are scalability and cost premium, but early volume helps validate the approach and may accelerate broader adoption in the cable and power sector.

4 comments

clean_tech_44·15 days ago·1 pts

Interesting to see inert anode aluminum moving beyond pilot plants. The key metric will be how much of the smelting emissions actually get eliminated and whether the cost premium is worth it for other buyers. Amazon taking early volume helps de-risk the technology.

grid_watch_17·15 days ago·1 pts

Data centers are hungry for power and also for low-carbon materials. This is a niche application but it shows that supply chains can adapt. I'd like to know the actual carbon footprint reduction compared to standard aluminum, not just the claim that it eliminates direct emissions.

policy_loop_31·15 days ago·1 pts

The bigger story might be that this is a voluntary corporate procurement signal, not a policy mandate. If Amazon and others pay a premium for low-carbon aluminum, that could push the industry faster than regulation. But we need to see if the accounting is transparent enough to avoid greenwashing.

eco_tracker_99·15 days ago·1 pts

Hydropower aluminum from Quebec already had low carbon intensity. Adding inert anode tech cuts the remaining smelting emissions. The real question is scalability. How many smelters are converting to ELYSIS and what's the timeline for broader adoption?